Last night, July 26, 2013, when it started to lightening in Sun City, I unplugged my computer - 2 plugs into wall. Whoops. I forgot to shutdown first. This morning I replugged and computer started with just a few blips. But here I am 10 minutes later! I was not aware of lightening earlier this month and slept right thru it. Computer plugged in. No problem. What does everyone do. Unplug or not?
I use a laptop, if it is thundering I will pull the cord and run on battery power. A desktop should always be plugged into a good surge protector. And yeah, it is always best to shut down a desktop before you pull the plug on it.
Shutting down and unplugging is always a good precaution. Some may suggest a good surge protector and that might help, but most times it won't protect from a direct hit. Also simply turning off the power strip your computer is plugged into won't do it either, it is always a good idea to unplug. A few years back our garage door opener died when lightning got a little too close for comfort. It wasn't even a direct hit, but the opener control board couldn't take the extreme static electricity. I have a HAM radio and I leave it unplugged unless I am using it, but having a lightning rod (aka: antenna) on the roof is always exciting when a nice lightning storm comes through.
I kind of think that last night lightening was cloud lightening. It really did seem to go sideways. Did it rain? My neighbor said no.